1996 BMW 540 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 92 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 540 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2012 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 540 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 10.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1723 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2919 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
